Peavey 5150 vs. Blackstar HT100

[Tonelover]

Looking to help the kid in my band out with his first tube amp head and it needs to be reasonably priced. I am intrigued by the possibilities of a Peavey 5150 version and the Blackstar HT100. Both seem to be popular overall and can be had at a similar pricepoint of about $650 +/- used. Our band does hard rock covers ranging from AC/DC to Foo Fighters to Metallica. Just looking for some opinions from owners or past owners of either or both for some feedback. Thanks!

 

[university81]

I haven't had a chance to play the ht100, but it would appear to be a tad more versatile and in the process maybe nailing more of the cover tunes you guys do, i

i've had the 5150 iii and the 5150 block letter version, i borrowed a friend's 5150 recently who was selling it, but apart from very gainy tones i couldn't really get what i wanted out of it, might have been the 6l6s and the voicing, for brutal hi gain and some of the 80s stuff it can't be beat, but i'm more of a fan of the modded marshall , british flavour tones which the blackstar certainly does

i'd definitely go to a store with a guitar and try both first

 

[chunktone]

I was not really impressed with the Blackstar amps I've tried. I'd go with a 5150II to 6505+.

 

[wizardy]

buy Peavey 6534

 

[Everlast]

+1 for Blackstar

 

[Tawlks]

I had quite an in-depth look at the Ht100 and I owned a 5150 II for 18 months.

Although I think the 5150 is a better amp, the HT100 is much more versatile and would suit a covers band much better than the Peavey would.

The only thing about the Blackstar that I don't like is that it just feels like there's too much crap between the input and the valves and that I knew if it faulted I'd probably have to take it to the Blackstar tech if it wasn't a simple tube problem or something.

Since it's his first tube amp, I personally think he'd be better off with more simple, all tube amp. I went with the Jet City JCA100 over the Blackstar, you could also consider the JCA, it covers all the styles you mentioned well. I really don't think the 5150 is the ideal amp for this situation although I do love them.

 

[Beret]

If my HT-20 I use in the office to mess around with is any indication, I'd go the Blackstar route. I use a Port City cab loaded with EVM-12L FWIW.

All of that being said, I've never gigged with the Blackstar but given it's voicing I think it would cut really well.

~B